History of the University

In 1963 Coleman College was founded on the unprecedented career
opportunities that electronic data processing was creating in industry,
business, government, and education.

In the 1970s, Coleman responded to an ever-increasing need for individuals
educated in Information Technology by offering Associate of Science and
Bachelor of Science degree programs. These degree programs provided
more substantial general and technical knowledge, and benefited graduates
in their general education, as well as their ability to advance in technology
careers and contribute to their communities.

A general education department was established to offer courses
emphasizing English and communication, mathematics, social sciences,
humanities, and management. Intermediate and advanced technology
courses were also offered. In addition, Coleman implemented its unique
“inverted curriculum,” which allows students to concentrate on major course
work before pursuing general education.

In 1979, the proliferation of computers created the need for individuals trained
to repair and maintain them. Coleman responded by creating the Department
of Computer Technology. This program lead to a certificate in Computer
Electronics Technology and served as the core of the Associate and Bachelor
degree programs.

In the 1980s, Coleman maintained its leadership role specializing in both
information science and computer technology.

In 1982, with the guidance and support of accomplished and visionary
industry leaders, a Master of Science degree in Information Systems was
developed to provide graduates with the technical knowledge, conceptual
understanding, and research skills necessary to function effectively as
leaders in their technical professions.

In 1986, while continuing to expand and update curricula, the San Marcos
campus was opened to serve growing populations in the northern part of
San Diego County.

In 1994, anticipating the need for technicians and administrators of network
systems, Coleman developed an interdisciplinary program in computer
applications and networks in the Office Automation Systems Department.

In 1996, the Computer Applications and Networks Department began
providing extensive training in local area networks and client-server
applications, among the fastest growing sectors of the high-tech job market.
As computer hardware became more sophisticated, troubleshooting evolved
to require a deeper understanding of the total system, including software.
The Computer Electronics Technology program was redesigned to reflect
this shift in emphasis between hardware and software, and the department
was renamed Computer Engineering Technology. Subsequently, the program
evolved with industry trends emphasizing network technology and was
renamed Computer Network Technology. This program eventually merged
with the Computer Applications and Network program and became known as
the Computer Networks program.

In 2002, Coleman rounded out its computer-related academic offerings by
launching a Computer Graphic Design program.

On November 14, 2008, during the Coleman College 45th anniversary
celebration, the transition to Coleman University was announced.

In 2009 Coleman introduced a Master of Business Administration program.
The MBA program addresses the needs of students with a technology background who wish to transition into general business and management.

In 2011, Coleman introduced a Master of Business Administration in Health
Care Management. The MBA HCM offers students essential tools and
insights into the management of today’s health care business.

Today, Coleman University serves students and alumni from every part of
the United States, and many foreign countries. In addition to traditional post
high-school undergraduates, Coleman University students include active and
retired military personnel, professionals seeking new career directions, and
international students who are acquiring new knowledge and skills to take
back to their home countries. These students attend Coleman University
because of its reputation for high academic standards, professionalism and
personal concern for each student.

Long recognized by numerous industry and educational organizations as a
leader in computer education, Coleman has pioneered many new teaching
techniques with great effectiveness. Technological developments are
continuously researched so that the curricula and computer equipment for
student use may be updated accordingly.